If you want to buy eye glasses, metal frames are good choice. Monel, a mixture of any of a broad range of metals, is the most widely used material in the manufacture of eyeglass frames. Its malleability and corrosion resistance are pluses. Still, it is not 100 percent corrosion-resistant: for some people, monel can react with their skin chemistry. But this is preventable if the right kind of plating, such as palladium or other nickel-free options is used.
Many sunglasses also are made of metal frames. The Wasty frame by Immagine Design Eyewear is elaborately designed in a combination of plastic and metal. Crystals abound in this Daniel Swarovski frame. Many frame manufacturers offer titanium and beta-titanium styles these days; titanium is a silver-gray metal that's lightweight, durable, strong and corrosion-resistant. It has been used for everything from the Gemini and Apollo space capsules to medical implants such as heart valves.
Titanium eyewear can be produced in a variety of colors for a clean, modern look with a hint of color. And they're hypoallergenic. Some titanium frames are made from an alloy that is a combination of titanium and other metals, such as nickel or copper. In general, titanium alloy frames cost less than 100 percent titanium frames.
Beryllium, a steel-gray metal, is a lower-cost alternative to titanium eyewear. It resists corrosion and tarnish, making it an excellent choice for wearers who have high skin acidity or spend a good amount of time in or around salt water. Beryllium is also lightweight, very strong, very flexible (making it easy for an optician to adjust your glasses) and available in a wide range of colors.